Group Decision-Making Methods
In
the milieu of group decision-making methods, consensus-based techniques, such
as the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) and the Delphi method, hold a pivotal
place, especially in harnessing expert opinions when a dearth of evidence is
apparent (Humphrey-Murto et al., 2023, p. 1). A marked shift from traditional
face-to-face interactions to virtual platforms, predominantly incited by the
COVID-19 pandemic, has brought forth a range of modifications to these
conventional methods. The emphasis on analyzing the extent of adaptation and
efficacy of virtual NGT is well-articulated in the scoping review conducted by
Humphrey-Murto et al. (2023). This analysis seeks to dissect and contrast group
decision-making methods' characteristics and procedural modifications in
virtual domains, mainly focusing on the NGT.
Historically, NGT has been
distinguished for its structured face-to-face meetings, enabling an effective
group decision-making process in myriad domains, including healthcare,
education, and management (Humphrey-Murto et al., 2023, p. 1). This method
essentially involves a sequence of stages: idea generation, round-robin
feedback, group discussion, anonymous voting, and mathematical derivation of
the group decision (Humphrey-Murto et al., 2023, p. 2). Unlike other consensus
techniques such as Delphi, the essence of in-person discussions in NGT fosters
a more profound engagement among participants, thereby aiding in the resolution
of diverse ideas and possibly increasing stakeholders’ ownership of the ensuing
resolutions (Humphrey-Murto et al., 2023, p. 2).
With the impetus of the pandemic, a
significant migration of NGT to virtual platforms has been observed, bringing
forth a new facet, virtual NGT. Although expedited by necessity, this
transition has displayed merits and challenges (Humphrey-Murto et al., 2023, p.
3). The virtual adaptation offers accessibility and reduced time investment,
which could arguably make it a favorable choice in modern, fast-paced research
environments. However, the hurdles of managing participant engagement and the
noted lack of active interaction or conversation among participants pose
substantial drawbacks (Humphrey-Murto et al., 2023, p. 3). These challenges
could lead to a less enriched discourse and possibly a diminished consensus or
satisfaction among the participants.
Furthermore, the shift to virtual
platforms has modified the NGT process to accommodate the online format.
However, the extent and nature of such modifications remain to be fully
elucidated (Humphrey-Murto et al., 2023, p. 4). The utilization of various
virtual communication platforms has added another layer of variability to the
NGT process, possibly affecting the quality of interaction and the ease of
conducting the sessions. The scoping review by Humphrey-Murto et al. (2023)
aims to delve into these uncharted territories, seeking to elucidate the
breadth and depth of virtual NGT adaptation and its implications on the group
decision-making process.
Media Synchronicity Theory, as
introduced by Humphrey-Murto et al. (2023), serves as a potential lens to
fathom the impact of technology on the effectiveness of group work in virtual
NGT settings (p. 3). The theory bifurcates communication activities into
conveyance and convergence processes, shedding light on the nuances of
information transmission and collective understanding in a virtual environment.
This conceptual framework may be crucial in understanding traditional and
virtual NGT trade-offs, particularly in effective communication and
consensus-building.
In conclusion, the transition to
virtual NGT underscores a notable evolution in group decision-making methods,
driven by modern-day challenges and technological advancements. The review by
Humphrey-Murto et al. (2023) pioneers in navigating this modern adaptation,
shedding light on the potential advantages and hurdles of virtual NGT. As
online meetings become a staple in contemporary research practices, a profound
understanding of virtual NGT and other online consensus methods is
indispensable to ensure effective and inclusive group decision-making
processes.
References
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